After graduating five talented seniors last year, the women’s hockey team will need its six freshmen to reinforce its ranks.

Emily Vitt will vie for the starting spot in goal, while Lindsey Weaver looks for a partner to join on the Crimson blue line.

Liza Solley, Jenn Sifers, Katie Johnston and Caitlin Cahow will challenge upperclassmen and each another for a spot on the offensive lines.

From rookies to veterans to coaches, the players already feel that they are gelling together as unit after only a week of practice.

“I’m encouraged,” says Harvard coach Katey Stone. “I like our team right now just in the little things they’ve been able to catch onto right away. We’ve put a lot of speed into our lineup with these freshmen, which is very encouraging.”

Aside from the new speed burst to the team, the freshmen add much needed depth to Harvard’s lines.

Standing Tall in the Net

Number 1 will skate between the pipes again this year, but the jersey will be donned by a new face.

Emily Vitt will wear the number of last year’s starter, the now-retired senior Jessica Ruddock.

Like Ruddock, Vitt is undaunted by the pressures of collegiate level hockey.

“As far as the pressure [on me],” Vitt says, “I feel that I am on a team that is made of players confident in each other, which replaces any sort or pressure with a sort of excitement and love for the game.”

Vitt has already demonstrated that she has the quick feet and agility needed to play goal against the best offenses in the nation.

What Vitt brings to the table is an ability to move between the pipes with incredible speed, cutting off chances and stopping back-door shots.

“She could be our starter,” says co-captain Angela Ruggiero, “if she picks it up and challenges [sophomore] Ali Boe. She comes to the rink with a really positive attitude, and she’s always looking for advice.”

While at Deerfield Academy, the alma mater of two upperclassmen skaters in junior Kat Sweet and sophomore Abra Kinkopf, Vitt handled pressure well in the goal, leading Deerfield to admirable heights.